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  PATRIOTS POINT
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Mithraculus sculptus
Common names: Emerald crab, green clinging crab, mithrax crab

Habitat: Lives in shallow tropical waters of the Florida Keys and Caribbean (Western Atlantic). They can be found living on algae-covered rock surfaces and seagrass beds. 

Characteristics: Shiny, dark green exoskeleton, large forearms and large spoon-shaped claws with white tips,  walking legs covered with hairs

Feeding habits: Mostly herbivorous, eating algae. However, in some circumstances can also be omnivorous 


Scientific Classification
Phylum: Anthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Family: Mithracidae
Genus: Mithraculus
Species: M. sculptus 


Sources:
Rhyne, A. L., Y. Fujita, and R. Calado. 2006. Larval development and first crab of Mithraculus sculptus (Decapoda: Brachyura: Majoidea: Mithracidae) described from laboratory-reared material. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 86: 1133-1147.
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum 
40 Patriots Point Rd.
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

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